Western Power crews are working to restore electricity to more than 50,000 customers who have lost power across the Perth metro area and the South West.

The worst affected areas are currently Kelmscott, Gosnells and Forrestfield in the Perth metro area and York, Capel and Corrigin in regional WA.

Strong winds flung debris and branches into powerlines, with almost 400 hazards reported on the network and additional crews have been mobilised to assist with the repair work.

Western Power's contact centre received almost 20,000 calls from the public.

The storm also caused damage to parts of the regional network, with customers in Australind, Dandaragan and Narrogin experiencing outages on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

School damage

Several schools have been damaged in the storm and at least one public school was closed.

Munglinup Primary School was closed after it sustained water and power loss overnight, while Condingup Primary School near Esperance sustained flood damage and power loss.

A large tree fell in the playground at Dwellingup Primary School and several schools lost roofing including Avonvale Primary School and Samson Primary School.

Deputy Director General Schools David Axworthy said schools with only minor damage would continue to operate but no risks would be taken with student and staff safety.

“In the case of severe weather our core aim is to protect students and staff and we will keep a close eye on the situation as it develops.

“All schools have been asked to communicate with parents after assessing their local situation,” he said.

Parents should monitor the Department of Education’s news website at www.det.wa.edu.au/edenews for the most up-to-date information.

A spokeswoman from Perth Airport said high winds had forced some planes arriving in Perth to do what was called a "go around" - where a plane has had to circle the airport and make a second attempt at landing.

She said this had caused delays of 10 to 20 minutes to a handful of flights.

The spokeswoman was not aware of the circumstances surrounding a video posted online that shows a plane that had to abort its landing at the last minute - the video purports to be filmed in today's windy conditions.

Wind gusts of 117km/h have been recorded at Rottnest Island.

Mr Gale said there were reports of trees down, airconditioners ripped from roofs and other damage to roofs and patios.

Literally fearing my safety in Perth right now. The wind has gotten so strong!!